Mindanao church reflects on synodal conversion and evangelisation

From 20 to 24 October, the 18th edition of the Mspc is taking place in Iligan City, under the theme ‘pilgrims of hope’. An opportunity for prayer and reflection on the challenges of a region with a large Muslim and tribal population. Among the unresolved problems are poverty, unemployment and terrorism.

Manila (AsiaNews) - Church and lay leaders in Mindanao, in the southern Philippines, want to promote a ‘community united in faith’ by embarking on a path of ‘synodal conversion’ and ‘renewed evangelisation’.

These are the objectives of the 18th edition of the Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference (MSPC XVIII), scheduled for 20-24 October under the theme: ‘Pilgrims of hope towards synodal conversion, along the path of new evangelisation’.

The event is taking place in Iligan City and is promoted by the diocese to offer the faithful an opportunity to ‘pray, meditate and collaborate’ on pastoral directions in the region, “unite” local churches by encouraging ‘open discussion’ and ‘collaboration on pastoral and social challenges’.

The 18th MSPC opened with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Jose Ramirez Rapadas III of Iligan, together with 18 prelates, over 100 priests and numerous religious and lay delegates from all over Mindanao. In his homily, Bishop Rapadas reflected on the symbolic significance of St Michael's Cathedral, where the three cultures of the region meet: a place of pilgrimage and a centre of mercy.

The prelate went on to describe this gathering as ‘fundamental,’ urging the local Church in Mindanao to walk together as a ‘community of faith, embracing synodal conversion and the new evangelisation.’ He then warned against greed and corruption that isolate hearts and destroy communities, reminding everyone that a synodal Church is one that ‘journeys together in the joy of the Gospel,’ moved by compassion and reaching out to the marginalised ‘of mountains and coastal villages.’

Each diocese in Mindanao sent about 15 delegates, including priests, nuns and lay people. The Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference has been held every three years since 1971 and is a ‘forum of ideas’ and a ‘communion of Churches’. As a forum of ideas, according to Monsignor Francisco F. Claver, the MSPC is a gathering of delegates from various dioceses ‘to share experiences, test the ideas behind the experiences, discuss common problems, seek common solutions and, if necessary, create new structures to meet common needs.’ As a communion of Churches, explains Fr Reynaldo D. Raluto, it is intended to be a place of ‘cooperation and coordination, mutual assistance and sharing of resources, constant intercommunication, mutual support and openness to one another and to the Spirit in the context of loyalty and union with St Peter’.

The Mindanao and Sulu region is predominantly Muslim and is shaped by Christian, Muslim and indigenous traditions. It faces many challenges, including poverty, unemployment and terrorism. One of the Church's priorities has always been to promote interreligious dialogue, without neglecting other pastoral tasks such as education, healthcare, social development and evangelisation. The region is home to many indigenous communities with a variety of cultures and identities. In this context of diversity and contrast, the Church, with its 16 dioceses, is committed to promoting ‘a faith that transforms, unity that strengthens and hope’ that is a source of renewal.

Some of the topics that will be developed and explored by the speakers during these days of meetings are: “Pilgrims of Hope: Journeying through Mindanao's Current Realities” by Benedicto Bacani; “Synodality & Youth: Pathways of Hope for Digital Natives and their Challenging Realities” by Jade Harley C. Breana; ‘Synodality & Family: Pathways of Hope for the Family's Mission in Raising Digital Natives Today’ by Fr. Jordan Orbe SJ; ‘Synodality and Basic Ecclesial Communities: Pathways of Hope for BECs [Basic Ecclesial Communities] as Catalysts for Synodal Conversion’ by Msgr. Jose R. Rapadas III; “Pathways of Hope for the New Evangelisation Towards the Jubilee 2033” by Msgr. Edilberto R. Mahinay.